The Unfinished Clue by Georgette Heyer (1933)

 

In addition to her Regency and other historical fiction novels, Georgette Heyer wrote twelve mysteries. I’d read that they weren’t that good but when I found a copy of The Unfinished Clue for 50 cents while we were in Central Queensland, I grabbed it. Just in case. And just as well that I did because it was a delight from start to finish.

General Sir Arthur Billington-Smith belonged to that class of soldier who believed that much is accomplished by rudeness. He had been married to his much younger wife, Fay, for about five years and she had cowered under his bullish nature. The story begins with Fay’s younger sister, Dinah, coming to visit them at their country estate and being ungraciously greeted by Sir Arthur. A group of people which included the General’s son and nephew had also been invited to stay for the weekend. The General was clearly not happy about the presence of some of the visitors, especially when he found out that his son was bringing his Mexican dancer fiancée.

Two sisters couldn’t have been more different. Dinah was completely unfazed by Sir Arthur’s belligerence and baited him mercilessly. Fay tried to keep the peace but after five years of the General’s aggressive domination, she had been reduced to nervous exhaustion.

Between him and his sister-in-law there raged a guerrilla warfare which both enjoyed. They disliked one another with equal cordiality.

During the course of the weekend, Sir Arthur was stabbed to death in his study, and everyone was under suspicion. The local police knew that the General had many enemies. In fact, they believed that you would be hard put to find somebody who had a good word for the man. It was going to be a difficult investigation and Inspector Harding from Scotland Yard was brought in to help solve the crime. 

The Unfinished Clue is a solid mystery with a clever plot. With interesting and very likeable characters, plenty of humour and wit and topped off with a satisfying romance; this was a great read. 

Fay cast a startled glance at the clock, and sprang up.  ‘Heavens, it’s past four! I must fly or Arthur will have a fit. He can’t bear unpunctuality. Are you ready?’ ‘I’m ready,’ said Dinah, ‘but I shall dawdle for ten minutes for the good of Arthur’s soul.’

A description of Camilla Halliday, one of the weekend guests:

‘She had corn-coloured hair, shingled and perfectly waved, a pair of shallow blue eyes, and a predatory little mouth…’